Taitung Agriculture Chief, Four Others Detained on Corruption Charges

Taitung County Agriculture Department Director Hsu Chia-hao and four other officials were taken to the prosecutor's office early this morning, facing corruption charges. The investigation stems from allegations that a public farm road was widened significantly to benefit a resort developed by the family of Taitung County Speaker Wu Hsiu-hua.

The road, originally 3 meters wide, was reportedly expanded to 15 meters. The Taitung County Investigation Station searched the Agriculture Department yesterday, detaining Director Hsu, Deputy Director Huang Chi-ming, and several other staff members. They were transferred to the prosecutor's office for questioning early today, with the inquiry still ongoing as of this morning.

Prosecutors have listed all five individuals as defendants in a corruption case. While the engineering contractor was released without bail, the lead prosecutor is known for his strict approach. Sources suggest Hsu Chia-hao may face compulsory measures, potentially preventing him from attending a scheduled groundbreaking ceremony.

The core of the investigation questions why the farm road leading to the "Dongying Resort" was built wider than a typical industrial road and whether the budget was used appropriately. Investigators are seeking to determine who authorized the expansion and if the Agriculture Department facilitated the process without proper oversight. Despite the investigation, Hsu reportedly maintains his innocence, denying any wrongdoing or high-level instructions.

Hsu Chia-hao has a long career in public service, having served in various roles since before 2010. Friends describe him as capable and adept at managing relationships, noting his past successes in fisheries and agricultural exports. However, some express disbelief at the corruption allegations, calling him "a very simple person." They speculate the case might be a result of appeasing various factions, leading him to "step on the red line."